As the days stretch out and the warm promise of a British summer begins to spark that holiday spirit, it's time to think about those impending travels and alfresco adventures.
If you're managing diabetes, you know that summer doesn't just mean packing your swimwear and sunglasses-it also means thinking ahead about how to carry your insulin safe.
Keeping insulin at the right temperature is critical; without proper care, it could lose its effectiveness, potentially disrupting your blood sugar readings while you're trying to relax and enjoy your summer break.
That's why a sturdy insulin travel case isn't just helpful; it's essential. These coolers are your best bet for keeping your insulin cool, safe, and effective, no matter if you're hiking through the Lake District, exploring the vibrant streets of London, or escaping to sunny Spain.
So, as you plan your summer getaway, let's dive into what you need to consider to ensure you have the right insulin travel case cooler by your side.
- What are the top insulin cooler travel cases on the UK market right now?
- How do you choose the one that fits both your travel style and medical needs?
Related article: Does Insulin Need to Be Refrigerated? Essential Storage Tips!
Exploring the Variety of Insulin Travel Cases and Coolers
Insulin travel cases are available in a plethora of sizes, designs, and styles to fit various insulin injection devices, including pens, vials, cartridges, or even prefilled syringes.
When picking out an insulin travel case, the key initial consideration is whether you'll be transporting unopened insulin that needs refrigeration or opened insulin that just needs to be kept cool:
- For unopened insulin pens or vials, your travel cooler must be like a mini fridge that maintains refrigerator-like temperatures between 2°C and 8°C.
- For opened insulin, choose a cooler that can keep the contents below 25°C to protect them from heat.
To aid you in navigating these options, we've put together a video guide that delves into the different insulin travel cases and coolers available. This guide will allow you to see firsthand how each model addresses specific travel needs, with comprehensive explanations provided for each.
Travel Cooling Cases for Opened Insulin Below 25°C
These specially designed travel cases, which include both cooling bags and hard-shell coolers, are engineered to maintain insulin at safe room temperatures below 25°C-cool but not as cold as a refrigerator. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit insulin pens, vials, or both.
These cases are perfect for carrying your in-use insulin on day trips or during summer holidays. They typically employ cooling packs or evaporative cooling technology to keep the internal temperature controlled.
Our Top Coolers for Keeping Insulin Cool:
- The new Chillers Insulin Pouch Coolers designed to keep insulin cool for over 45 hours without the need for ice or electricity.
- The Rambler Small Insulin Pen Travel Case, ideal for maintaining a single insulin pen cool for up to 14 hours.
- The Companion Diabetes Cool Bag, capable of keeping 5 insulin pens cool for up to 14 hours.
Refrigerated Travel Cases for Unopened Insulin Between 2°C to 8°C
These mini travel fridges ensure your insulin is kept at a steady fridge temperature between 2°C to 8°C, ideal for carrying unopened insulin pens or vials during extended travels where access to refrigeration is limited.
Some refrigerated travel cases for insulin are powered by external USB sources and can be plugged into standard wall outlets, a car's cigarette lighter, a travel power bank, or even a portable solar panel-perfect for off-grid adventures. Others operate solely on cooling packs, ensuring your insulin remains chilled even without electrical power.
Our Top Coolers for Keeping Insulin Refrigerated:
- The Explorer 3-in-1 Insulin Travel Cooler, which can keep up to 7 insulin pens refrigerated for 52 hours and cool for 72 hours, using either USB power, cooling packs, or both.
- The Voyager Mini Fridge for Insulin, which can store 7 insulin pens refrigerated for 33 hours without power and indefinitely when connected to a USB power source.
- The Nomad Insulin Travel Cases, which rely on Biogel cooling packs only and can transport up to 7 insulin pens refrigerated for over 30 hours of travel.
Top Insulin Cooler Travel Cases from 4AllFamily Now Available in the UK
Let's dive into the insulin travel cases from 4AllFamily, where we'll assess their storage capabilities, cooling efficiency, and the various methods they use to keep your insulin chilled. This guide will help you choose the best fit for your specific needs.
All our insulin cases are designed to work seamlessly with insulin and other diabetes injections, including Mounjaro, Ozempic, Victoza, Trulicity, Byetta, and weight-loss injections such as Zepbound, Wegovy, or Saxenda.
Each case is built to be pocket-friendly, robust, and easy to use, making them a practical choice for anyone's medical kit. Plus, they're all cleared for air travel, whether in the UK, EU, or internationally. So you can jet off knowing your insulin and medications are travel-ready and secure.
The Voyager Refrigerated Travel Case For Insulin and Medicines
4AllFamily's Voyager Mini Travel Fridge for Insulin.
Cooling Methods:
The Voyager is a highly adaptable refrigerated travel case that functions using either cooling packs for a zero-electricity approach, or via USB power for continuous cooling. It boasts sophisticated temperature control features, including an integrated thermostat with auto shut-off for safety, and a display screen that keeps you updated on the internal temperature.
Storage Capacity:
Capable of holding up to 7 insulin pens or 8 Novolog vials, the Voyager mini travel fridge for insulin storage capacity depends on the specific sizes of your insulin injection devices. For precise details on how many of your pens or vials can fit, be sure to check the product page.
Cooling Performance:
With cooling packs, the Voyager mini fridge maintains insulin chilled at a refrigerated temperature between 2-8°C for up to 33 hours and keeps it below 26°C for as long as 52 hours.
When powered by USB, it can reliably keep insulin refrigerated indefinitly, even when external temperatures reach up to 35°C.
Best Insulin Travel Case For:
- Storing unopened insulin that needs to be refrigerated
- Carrying opened insulin that can be either refrigerated or kept at room temperature
- Travelling with large insulin supplies.
- Any sort of journey, whether it's a beach holiday, a camping excursion, a hiking adventure, off-grid exploits, air travel, road trips, city tours, or business travel.
The Explorer 3-in-1 Insulin Travel Case Cooler
4AllFamily's Explorer 3-in-1 Insulin Travel Cooler
Cooling Methods:
The Explorer Insulin offers three pioneering cooling methods in a single insulin travel cooler case! It features a USB-powered lid that transforms it into a mini-fridge when hooked up to USB power sources like a car's USB port, a USB-compatible solar panel, a portable power bank, or your home AC power.
For times when you're away from power outlets, switch to the biogel cooling packs to keep your insulin chilled. Alternatively, combine the USB lid with the biogel packs for prolonged cooling!
Storage Capacity:
The Explorer provides substantial storage space for your insulin supplies, accommodating up to 7 insulin pens and numerous vials. The capacity varies depending on the exact size of your insulin injection pens. For specific details on how many pens and vials you can fit, please check the product page.
Cooling Performance:
In dual cooling mode (USB-lid + Cooling packs), the Explorer can keep insulin refrigerated between 2-8°C for up to 52 hours and below 26°C for 72 hours.
Using just the cooling packs (no electricity needed), the Explorer can maintain insulin at refrigerated temperatures between 2-8°C for 33 hours and at room temperature below 26°C for 52 hours.
With the USB power alone (no cooling packs), this travel case reduces the internal temperature significantly. For example, if the external temperature is 30°C, it can maintain an interior temperature between 8-26°C as long as it's connected to a power source.
Best Insulin Travel Case For:
- Storing unopened insulin that needs to be refrigerated
- Carrying opened insulin that can be either refrigerated or kept at room temperature
- Travelling with a substantial quantity of insulin
- Any kind of journey, whether you're off to a beach holiday, embarking on a camping or hiking trip, going on off-grid adventures, flying, hitting the road for a trip, exploring cities, or travelling for business.
The Nomad Insulin Travel Cooling Cases
4AllFamily's Nomad Insulin Travel Cooling Cases
Cooling Methods:
The Nomad Insulin Travel Cooling Cases function splendidly without any need for electricity, featuring a sturdy built-in insulation layer and equipped with high-performance biogel cooling packs for optimal cooling.
Storage Capacity:
The medium Nomad case is capable of holding 3 insulin pens, whereas the larger version can accommodate up to 7 pens. Despite their capacity, both models are remarkably lightweight and designed for effortless portability.
The storage space provided depends on the specific dimensions of your insulin injection pens. For detailed information, please consult the product page to determine the exact number of pens each case can hold.
Cooling Performance:
Refrigerated Storage: The Nomad coolers maintain insulin at fridge-like temperatures from 2°C to 8°C for as long as 33 hours.
Room Temperature Storage: These cases can keep insulin below 26°C for up to 52 hours.
Best Insulin Travel Case For:
- Securely storing unopened insulin that requires refrigeration.
- Transporting opened insulin that can either be refrigerated or stored at room temperature.
- Travelling with either a large or small amount of insulin, available in two sizes.
- Ideal for any travel scenario lacking electricity, such as off-grid adventures, air travel, and more.
The Rambler Small Insulin Pen Travel Case
4AllFamily's Rambler Small Insulin Pen Case
Cooling Methods:
Discover the Rambler, 4AllFamily's ultra-lightweight cooling case for insulin, tipping the scales at just 300 grams. This nifty case is perfect for keeping a single insulin pen chilled during the hustle and bustle of daily life, from blazing summer days to school trips and more.
The Rambler exclusively uses biogel cooling packs and requires no electricity.
Storage Capacity:
This sleek and compact insulin pen travel case is tailored to house one insulin pen, the one you're currently using.
Cooling Performance:
The Rambler insulin pen case cooler effectively keeps insulin at a cool room temperature below 26°C for up to 16 hours in ambient temperatures as high as 30°C, and for 12 hours when the mercury hits 40°C.
For longer cooling needs, simply swap out the cooling pack for a freshly frozen one. You can purchase additional Biogel Cooling Packs specifically designed for the Rambler Insulin Travel Case.
Ideal Insulin Travel Case For:
- Transporting your in-use insulin pen at a safe room temperature (not refrigerated)
- Everyday use and brief journeys.
- Travel scenarios devoid of power sources, including daily outings, city explorations, remote adventures, and flights.
Related article: How to Keep Insulin Cool During a Power Outage?
The Chiller Insulin Pouch Cooler
4AllFamily's Chiller Cooling Pouches for Insulin
Cooling Methods:
Our latest innovation in insulin travel case coolers! These fantastic cooling pouches operate without the need for ice or electricity, thanks to a pioneering evaporation-based cooling technology. Just add water, and you're ready to keep your insulin cool under any travel conditions.
Storage Capacity:
These insulated travel bags for insulin come in various sizes, designed to hold anywhere from one to five insulin pens.
Cooling Performance:
The Chiller cases utilise advanced water evaporation technology to ensure your insulin stays within a safe temperature range of 18°C to 26°C for a minimum of 45 hours, even under the extreme heat of up to 38°C!
Ideal Insulin Travel Case For:
- Keeping insulin at room temperature (not refrigerated).
- Everyday use and extended trips.
- Any situation where you're away from electricity or freezing facilities, including daily outings, city explorations, remote journeys, flights, and more.
The Companion Diabetes Cooler Bag
4AllFamily's Companion Insulated Travel Bag for Insulin
Cooling Methods:
The Companion is a medical-grade insulated travel bag for insulin that uses biogel cooling packs to keep insulin chilled.
Storage Capacity:
This cooler bag provides plenty of space, capable of carrying up to 5 insulin pens. The specific amount it can hold depends on the dimensions of your insulin injection pens, so be sure to check the product page for detailed capacity information.
Cooling Performance:
The Companion maintains insulin within a safe room temperature range of 2°C to 26°C. It effectively keeps insulin cool for 14 hours in external temperatures up to 30°C, and for 10 hours when temperatures rise to 40°C.
Ideal Insulin Travel Case For:
- Protecting insulin from heat (not refrigerated)
- Carrying substantial quantities of insulin
- Daily usage and brief journeys.
- Any travel scenario lacking electricity, such as day trips, urban exploration, off-the-grid adventures, and air travel.
Related article: How to Take Insulin on a Plane.
Why You Absolutely Need an Insulin Travel Case
An insulin travel case cooler is far more than a simple cooling bag. It's ingeniously crafted to carry insulin and medical supplies securely while you travel.
Insulin cases are essential for keeping insulin cool at the ideal temperature, preventing it from spoiling while you're on the move. This ensures that your insulin pens and vials stay effective and potent, no matter where your travels take you.
Related article: How to Travel With Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
How to Store Insulin While Travelling
Typically, unopened insulin needs to be kept chilled between 2°C and 8°C. Once opened, your insulin pens or vials can be safely stored at room temperature, up to 25°C, for about a month, though the precise shelf life will vary based on the brand and type of insulin. For example:
- Humalog and Novolog can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days.
- Lantus can stay unrefrigerated for 28 days.
- NovoLog Mix 70/30 and Humalog Mix 75/25 can only be stored at room temperature for 14 days.
It's crucial to ensure that insulin, even when not refrigerated, is never exposed to temperatures above 25°C, even briefly, as this could compromise its effectiveness.
Thus, maintaining proper temperature control is essential when travelling with insulin. By planning ahead and equipping yourself with a reliable insulin travel case cooler, you can ensure your insulin remains safe and effective, no matter where your travels take you.
Related article: Traveling with diabetes: How to Plan, Pack, and Fly!
What to Look For in an Insulin Travel Case Cooler?
When picking an insulin travel case, tailor your choice to your specific needs and preferences. Opt for a robust, lightweight, and easy-to-carry case. Additionally, factors like storage capacity and the level of insulation or refrigeration are vital to meet your requirements. Here are some key aspects to consider:
- Insulation & Cooling Performance: The case should provide adequate insulation to maintain insulin and other medications at the correct temperature throughout your journey. If you need to keep insulin refrigerated, look for a case that can sustain a temperature of 2°C to 8°C for an extended period.
- Size and Storage Capacity: Select a case that can accommodate all your insulin, considering how many insulin pens or vials you'll need for your travels, along with other diabetic supplies such as lancets, test strips, and glucose meters.
- Quality and Durability: Ensure the insulin travel case is constructed from high-quality, durable materials that can endure the demands of travel. Check whether the case is water-resistant or waterproof and has a robust outer shell to safeguard your insulin pens and vials from impacts or bumps.
- Airline Compliance: If you're travelling by air with insulin, make sure your insulin travel case is approved for airline travel and meets all necessary regulations for carrying medical supplies onboard. All 4AllFamily's insulin coolers are approved for air travel across the UK, EU, and internationally.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Do share your experiences in the comments below-let us know about your preferred insulin travel case or any tips or queries you might have about travelling with insulin.
If you're unsure about which of our insulin travel cases would suit you best, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to assist!
